Jenkins shares vision for creating K-12 to workforce pipeline for global logistics, supply chain management

Logistics and supply chain are hot topics these days, with the availability of products increasingly unpredictable. More than ever, careers in the industry are in demand.

Ivy Jenkins, new professor of global logistics and supply chain management at San Jacinto College's North Campus, knows this well with 25 years of industry experience under his belt.

"I went straight into the workforce after high school, and I've always worked in logistics in some capacity," said Jenkins. "When I finally started pursuing my degree, I knew it would be in logistics because it's what I know and where my passion lies."

Jenkins' higher education journey started like many non-traditional San Jac students — just beginning to seek his degree at 38.

"I was downsized from my operations management position because I was the only manager without a degree," Jenkins said. "My wife, Dr. L.R. Griffin Jenkins, had been encouraging me for years to get my degree, and I had resisted, but now I'm so glad I did. I wouldn't be where I am today without her."

Now, with an associate degree from Lone Star College and bachelor's and master's degrees from Our Lady of the Lake University, Jenkins is still pursuing education as a doctoral candidate at Sam Houston State University. This gives him a unique connection to his pupils.

"It hasn't been that long since I first started pursuing my degree," Jenkins said. "I have been in those seats just like my students, and I'm not that far removed from where they are now."

Jenkins taught at Lone Star College for six years as an adjunct before developing curriculum for corporate, traditional, and dual credit students as a workforce advisor.

"It was my wife who encouraged me to apply for the full-time professor position at San Jac," he said. "This is what I have been working toward, and it's been a long time coming."

The future for global logistics and supply chain management careers is bright, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 30% growth in the industry from 2020 to 2030.

"The industry is in demand, but don't think you are going to walk in as CEO," said Jenkins. "Entry and mid-management positions are out there, but I encourage my students to continue their education. Pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree opens the job market even wider and provides more room for promotion."

As the only full-time professor for the high-demand degree, Jenkins hopes to grow the program and its resources to better serve the community and students.

"I want to see the program grow to the point where we have strong relationships with industry and K-12 partners," he said. "A seamless transition from the high school and dual credit student to community college student that flows into a pipeline for internships and then permanent jobs with our industry partners is my vision."

Learn more about the global logistics and supply chain management program.